Rep. Murphy Bill to Promote Career Readiness Now Law

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation introduced by State Representative Mike Murphy (R-Springfield) to promote career readiness and allow school districts more options for students to succeed was signed by the Governor this week. House Bill 2165 updates high school graduation requirements for mathematics so schools are able to provide more course offerings that are workforce applicable.

“Prior to House Bill 2165 becoming law, students were required to complete a specific number of courses in algebra and geometry, which limited the course options for many students,” said Murphy. “This also prevented many students from taking courses with real-world applicability. The suggestion brought to us by Pleasant Plains High School Principal Luke Brooks was to broaden the scope of mathematics courses students could take to not only take advantage of their individual strengths, but better prepare them for career success.”

To broaden the scope of the mathematics requirement, the geometry component has been expanded so it may include an integrated, applied, interdisciplinary, or career and technical education course that prepares a student for a career readiness path.

“Principal Brooks did an excellent job helping us promote the value of this bill to improve student success and I’m very happy it is now law,” Murphy concluded.

The Illinois Statewide School Management Alliance was an early supporter of HB 2165 and it passed both chambers of the General Assembly with unanimous support this spring. Gov. Pritzker signed the bill yesterday.

For more about the bill, visit RepMMurphy.com.